until now

helen, short with
a black head
of hair,
a shiny helmet
pulled down tight
around
her small ears,
she's empty and
full of hope
and fear.
alone at last
with sam
gone and what
to do
at breakfast,
as dinner
slowly nears.
no more paper
together, or
clink of cup
and spoon, or
small words
about the new
neighbor,
or the dog that
barks
at night towards
a soft yellowed
moon,
keeping them both
awake
almost until
light
falls across
their carved
bed, where each
has slept
forever.
making children,
being silent, or
angry, but always
finding
a way out, to
stay together,
until now.